Rights of way on path to oblivion

BOTH the Yorkshire Post (July 18) and the Ramblers’ Association are quite right to draw attention to the deterioration of our Rights of Way.

I can only speak for Calderdale where I have been a Countryside Volunteer for 15 years. Here we are blessed with magnificent scenery and the highest density of footpaths anywhere, over 1,000 miles. Tourism in Calderdale is one of the keys to economic growth and whilst the council acknowledges this, actions do not match words.

Let me tell you why. There are around 40 of us who go out once or twice a week wanting to make a difference and up until around 2010 we spent the majority of our time clearing and maintaining paths. More recently we were told cutbacks meant little or no rights of way work; instead we have often been given jobs that add little value but carry a grant.

To emphasise this point, in February 2012 it was confirmed and endorsed by a councillor that priority routes would be given attention. This was later confirmed in an action plan. Nothing has been done.

The Calderdale Way, established by the council in 1978, a 50 mile circular route and probably Calderdale’s jewel in the crown, is in dreadful condition.

Of course, we all understand the financial restrictions but I question the management of these restrictions. It actually isn’t difficult to get better value.

In Calderdale why do people surveying the paths report back but nothing is done? What a waste of time and money. There are volunteers sourcing areas where grants are available; why is the council not taking a leading role?

The will and management skills to oversee the income stream to benefit rights of way is lacking and there is insufficient effective use of volunteers (a cheap resource).

I am sure this is not a problem peculiar to Calderdale, as the survey confirms, but unless the pressure is put on councils a lot of our footpaths and bridleways will simply disappear.

Drive for better
road policing

From: Peter Neal, Oxford Court, Cleethorpes.

THE recent disclosure that the number of traffic police officers has plummeted over 12 per cent across Great Britain over the last five years will surprise very few people.

The excessive proliferation and over-reliance on speed cameras in no way improves the standard of driving.

Equally, fewer and fewer traffic police officers patrolling our roads has allowed drivers to become complacent and more drivers know they are increasingly unlikely to get caught, either drink driving or driving while using a mobile phone.

Swingeing cuts in the 
Yorkshire region of nearly 25 
per cent over five years is 
blamed on police funding cuts, but if road safety and appropriate driving are to be upheld and improved to reduce accidents and fatalities, to significantly 
cut down the number of traffic police officers is clearly a retrograde step.

Surely, it is about time for a rethink in policy for our 
traffic police officers to stand 
up and be recognised as a valuable asset for improving road safety and improving driving standards.

Airport lets down Jet2

From: Judith Harding, Harrogate.

WE recently travelled with Jet2Holidays to Tenerife and had excellent service both before and after the flight. A problem with the original hotel was quickly solved.

The hotel used was excellent, and our request for a specific type of room was met. Jet2Hols also checked with us after travel to make sure all had gone well. Thanks to them.

What a pity the authorities at Leeds Bradford Airport give the passengers flying with Jet2 such poor access facilities. It is quite abysmal.

This is no way to support such an excellent airline – one of their best customers.

A local taxi firm appears to have much better access for their passengers.

If security is the problem, are their cars screened before approaching the building? If not, why not?.

A reasoned reply from them will be a first.

Organist who entertained

From: Phil Baggaley, Sproatley, Hull.

IN reference to the letter from David Uttley (Yorkshire Post, July 17) regarding Leslie Sturdy, unfortunately, Leslie died two weeks after his 80th birthday on August 25, 2001.

He was the organist and musical director at Queen Street Central Hall Scarborough for 41 years.

His music was his life and he contributed so much to Scarborough; he was a great person and had that magic about him.

Most people will not know but he composed From The Time We Say Goodbye, recorded by Vera Lynn.

I know he is sadly missed by all of his friends.